Jim Jensen

We asked Jim Jensen, UB professor of civil, structural and
environmental engineering, to tell us about his work in, and
thoughts on sustainability.

What kinds of sustainability related research/projects do you
pursue at UB?

My research work has been in two areas. First, my students and I
are developing and testing sustainable drinking water treatment
methods for developing countries. These methods include using
natural plant materials, ceramic water filters, and water lenses to
make water safe to drink. Second, I'm supporting a number of
students in sustainability projects around campus ranging from
refillable water containers to high-velocity air hand-dryers.

How are students involved in your sustainability work?

I see my role as guiding students as they learn about
sustainability and seek sustainable solutions to global and local
problems. All my research is conducted with undergraduate and
graduate students. I teach a course in sustainability. In addition,
I support Ken Shockley, professor of philosophy, as he works with
students to develop UB's newest Undergraduate Academy in
sustainability.

What is the one thing you would like people to know that you do
in your personal life to further sustainability?

A sustainable life is not about being perfect, but about being
better than the day before. I know I could do better in some
aspects of my life but I am a recycling fiend!

How could UB improve its sustainability efforts?

UB has come a long way due to the dedication of students,
faculty, and staff and the support of the administration. UB's
Climate Action Plan lays out a great future for UB. If we all work
together to make it a reality, UB will be a better place to live
and work.

Research Spotlight

Sustainable Futures

6/19/14

Started in 1991, “Sustainable Futures,” an
eight-week program created by UB, has developed community projects
in Monteverde, Costa Rica focused on sustainable architecture and
planning.

Smart Bicycles

6/19/14

Students in Alex Bitterman’s studio worked on developing a
plan for “Radial Bikes,” an innovative bicycle sharing
concept for downtown Buffalo.

Virtual Disasters

6/19/14

In the Department of Geography, Dr. Christian Renschler uses
images from Google Earth and the Virtual Disaster Viewer to assess
damage sustained during natural disasters.

Climate Change

6/19/14

Along with students from UB’s Paleoclimate Lab housed
within the Department of
Geology, Jason Briner, an associate professor in geology,
engage in global climate change research funded by the National
Science Foundation.

Chris Lowry from the Department of Geology is
leading a study with researchers from three universities to create
a new, high-tech tool for mapping changing plant patterns at
Tuolumne Meadows, a mountain meadow in Yosemite National Park.

Food Security

6/19/14

Samina Raja, associate professor in the Department of Urban
Planning in the School of Architecture and Planning is known
nationally for her work in food security and Health Impact
Asssessments.